Just six months after the deal was announced, SDS told the stock exchange on Friday it had launched legal proceedings against Drill Quip in the WA Supreme Court in order to get access to information to carry out due diligence, which it claims were being withheld.

"The company wishes to advise that it is of the view that Pasdonnay Ltd (Drill Quip owners) has breached the asset sale agreement by withholding information required for the due diligence process," SDS said.

"The company has commenced an action…..to obtain an injunction to require Pasdonnay to provide the company with the information required to allow it to complete its due diligence and other contractual obligations under the asset sale agreement."

SDS managing director Fred Moir claimed Drill Quip had refused to provide crucial information such as work in progress and stock figures. However, Mr Moir said he remains committed to pursuing a deal.